Canine Corner

Dementia

Owning a Dog May Help Prevent Dementia in Seniors

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on September 12, 2023

Long-term dog ownership by individuals 65 or older seems to be associated with a reduction in the amount of observed age-related declines in cognitive abilities.

Long-term dog ownership by individuals 65 or older seems to be associated with a reduction in the amount of observed age-related declines in cognitive abilities.

Animal Behavior

Why Dogs Listen More Closely to Female Voices

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on August 25, 2023

The specific tuning of a dog's brain to special linguistic features and to the human female voice suggests why women might be more effective dog trainers than men.

The specific tuning of a dog's brain to special linguistic features and to the human female voice suggests why women might be more effective dog trainers than men.

Animal Behavior

Why Your New Dog Is Not as Smart as Your Previous Dog

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on August 9, 2023

It is common for people to believe that a new dog added to their household is less intelligent and less well-bonded than their first dog. This is called "Second Dog Syndrome."

It is common for people to believe that a new dog added to their household is less intelligent and less well-bonded than their first dog. This is called "Second Dog Syndrome."

Environment

Politicians Versus Dog Poop

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on July 26, 2023

An environmental and community problem: Politicians have resorted to extreme measures and penalties for dog owners who don't clean up after their dogs.

An environmental and community problem: Politicians have resorted to extreme measures and penalties for dog owners who don't clean up after their dogs.

Animal Behavior

For Dogs, a Passive, Unresponsive Human Face Is a "Bad" Face

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on July 11, 2023

Human facial expressions are part of social communication. For both children and dogs, a passive, unresponsive face is interpreted as rejecting and negative.

Human facial expressions are part of social communication. For both children and dogs, a passive, unresponsive face is interpreted as rejecting and negative.

Animal Behavior

Why Certain Dogs Learn More From Watching People

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on June 28, 2023

Cooperative working breeds of dogs are more likely to benefit from watching a human demonstrate an action than are independent working breeds.

Cooperative working breeds of dogs are more likely to benefit from watching a human demonstrate an action than are independent working breeds.

Animal Behavior

Are Dogs' Brains Getting Larger?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on June 13, 2023

Dog breeds that are more genetically distant from wolves may have evolved larger brains to deal with modern complex human social life.

Dog breeds that are more genetically distant from wolves may have evolved larger brains to deal with modern complex human social life.

Animal Behavior

Early Life Hardship Affects a Dog's Later Response to Stress

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on May 30, 2023

A history of early life adversity results in adult dogs that are more fearful and more dependent upon their owners for comfort and emotional support.

A history of early life adversity results in adult dogs that are more fearful and more dependent upon their owners for comfort and emotional support.

Trauma

Why Do Larger Dogs Have Shorter Lifespans?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on May 16, 2023

Bigger dogs tend to die younger because they invest their resources into rapid growth and larger litters, leaving few reserves to fend off negative mutations like cancer.

Bigger dogs tend to die younger because they invest their resources into rapid growth and larger litters, leaving few reserves to fend off negative mutations like cancer.

Sleep

Can Dogs Have Sleep Disorders?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on May 4, 2023

Dogs sleep differently than humans and their sleep is affected by their size and age. They are also susceptible to some sleep disorders similar to those found in people.

Dogs sleep differently than humans and their sleep is affected by their size and age. They are also susceptible to some sleep disorders similar to those found in people.

Education

When Dogs Need Help to Say Goodbye

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on April 18, 2023

Data show that most veterinary colleges do not train their students effectively to deal with the emotional consequences of euthanasia either for the pet owner or themselves.

Data show that most veterinary colleges do not train their students effectively to deal with the emotional consequences of euthanasia either for the pet owner or themselves.

Attention

How People Drive With Their Dogs Matters

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on April 7, 2023

In a new study, 82 percent of drivers agree that an unrestrained dog in a moving car can be a distraction and may cause reckless driving. Here's why and what to do about it.

In a new study, 82 percent of drivers agree that an unrestrained dog in a moving car can be a distraction and may cause reckless driving. Here's why and what to do about it.

Forgiveness

When Dogs Are Bad, Are Their Owners to Blame?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on March 29, 2023

A new study shows that owners of aggressive dogs are more likely to have a history of antisocial behavior and actions suggesting animal abuse or neglect.

A new study shows that owners of aggressive dogs are more likely to have a history of antisocial behavior and actions suggesting animal abuse or neglect.

Cognition

Talk Nicely When Training Dogs. It Makes a Difference.

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on March 22, 2023

Speaking to dogs the way that we speak to young children produces more positive emotional responses and better, more reliable training performance outcomes.

Speaking to dogs the way that we speak to young children produces more positive emotional responses and better, more reliable training performance outcomes.

Animal Behavior

Living With a Pet Reduces the Risk of Asthma in Children

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on March 15, 2023

Two studies show that having a dog or a cat in the house during the first year of a child's life can actually reduce the likelihood of developing allergies and asthma.

Two studies show that having a dog or a cat in the house during the first year of a child's life can actually reduce the likelihood of developing allergies and asthma.

Intelligence

Does a Dog's Head Shape Predict How Smart It Is?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on March 1, 2023

Two studies find that head shape may be related to dog intelligence and problem solving, with short-faced dogs faring more poorly.

Two studies find that head shape may be related to dog intelligence and problem solving, with short-faced dogs faring more poorly.

ADHD

Do Zoomies Signal a Happy Dog or a Crazy One?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on February 22, 2023

Periods of frenetic random activity in dogs are called "zoomies." It's not a canine ADHD symptom, but it can be a sign of emotional overflow, usually positive but not always.

Periods of frenetic random activity in dogs are called "zoomies." It's not a canine ADHD symptom, but it can be a sign of emotional overflow, usually positive but not always.

Hormones

Are There Better Alternatives to Spaying and Neutering Dogs?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on February 7, 2023

New data show that using hormone-sparing spay and neutering procedures results in better health outcomes and fewer problematic and nuisance behaviors in dogs.

New data show that using hormone-sparing spay and neutering procedures results in better health outcomes and fewer problematic and nuisance behaviors in dogs.

Career

What's Behind the Craze for Designer "Doodle" Dogs?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on January 24, 2023

A study finds that the popularity of Poodle cross designer dogs is due to the desire for a hypoallergenic pet—but not all "doodles" are non-allergenic.

A study finds that the popularity of Poodle cross designer dogs is due to the desire for a hypoallergenic pet—but not all "doodles" are non-allergenic.

Anger

What Happens When Dogs and Cats Live in the Same House?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on January 9, 2023

Dogs and cats can live together in the same household, although there are potential hot spots involving competition for food and attention from their owner.

Dogs and cats can live together in the same household, although there are potential hot spots involving competition for food and attention from their owner.